Fallen officers honored during ceremony on North Shore; money being raised for K-9 memorial

PITTSBURGH - Police gathered at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial of Allegheny County on the North Shore Saturday for a ceremony that honored local officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The service paid respect to officers, including Paul Sciullo II and Michael Crawshaw.

“With the support of everyone here, we get through it. We take one day at a time, but these people are wonderful, all of them, so that’s how we get through it,” said Sue Sciullo, mother of Paul Sciullo II.

Paul Sciullo II and fellow Pittsburgh police officers Eric Kelly and Stephen Mayhle were shot and killed while responding to a domestic call in Stanton Heights in April 2009.

“We feel it’s not only our obligation, but we’re proud to be here,” said Paul Sciullo, father of Paul Sciullo II.

Michael Crawshaw, a Penn Hills officer, was also killed in the line of duty in 2009.

“It’s very helpful to see the support of the whole police community. They have been wonderful to us throughout this journey,” said Linda Crawshaw, mother of Michael Crawshaw. “We lost Mike, it will be five years in December, and I can tell you that the pain doesn’t lessen. The pain is actually still very raw.”

The names of 12 fallen officers who served between 1853 and 1961 will be added to the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Money is being raised to add a memorial for K-9 officers killed in the line of duty. Plans are to construct a statue modeled after K-9 officer Brando, who is partnered with a Swissvale police officer.

“Brando is a 7-year-old German shepherd. He’s been with the Swissvale Police Department for 4 1/2 years,” said Officer David Zacchia. “It’s special to be able to bring him up to represent all the dogs in the area. They play an important role in the police departments.”

Police hope to have the K-9 memorial in place by next year. Donations can be sent to Greater Pittsburgh Police FCU, 1338 Chartiers Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., 15220. Checks should be made payable to LEOM K9 Memorial.